10 Common Misconceptions About Insects Explained

Insects come in a remarkable variety of forms and can be fascinating pets that provide educational opportunities for people of all ages. Keeping a terrarium or tank of the right insect species can help children learn about nature and animal biology. However, many people have only a basic understanding of insects, leading to widespread misconceptions. Here, we explore and correct ten of the most common myths about insects to deepen your knowledge and help you answer questions accurately.

1. All insects only live on land

Although many insects are terrestrial, it is a misconception that they only live on land. Various insect species have life stages or adults that live in water or near aquatic environments. For example, the rove beetle lives on seashores, and sea skaters are found on the surface of the sea. Other insects like midges, damselflies, dragonflies, and mayflies breed near water, laying larvae on or near water bodies before they mature into adults.

2. Insects are not animals

Some people mistakenly believe insects are something other than animals. In reality, insects belong to the animal kingdom as members of the class Insecta. The confusion may arise because insects are not mammals or vertebrates, but they are indeed animals just like dogs, cats, birds, and fish.

3. The daddy longlegs is a type of flying spider

Despite their spider-like appearance and long legs, daddy longlegs are neither spiders nor giant mosquitoes. They are crane flies, a different group of insects entirely. This distinction is important as spiders are arachnids with different biology and behaviour.

4. You can tell the age of a ladybird by counting its spots

A popular myth is that a ladybird's age can be determined by the number of spots on its body. This is not true; ladybirds have their spots from the moment they hatch. The spots and colours of ladybirds are determined by species and genetics, not by age. They typically lose their vivid colouration and spots as they age.

5. Insects only live for one day

Many insects, particularly those with short adult life stages, do not live long. For instance, mayflies have a very brief adult lifespan, sometimes lasting only a few hours. However, many insects live for weeks, months, or even years. For example, queen ants can live for several years, and some beetles can remain dormant as larvae for a decade or more.

6. Insects are not intelligent

Some people think insects are simple creatures without any form of intelligence or complex behaviour. Research has shown that insects can demonstrate social behaviours, communication, problem solving, and even forms of learning. Bees, for example, are known for their complex communication systems and ability to navigate over long distances, while ants show sophisticated social structure and coordination.

7. All insects are harmful

Insects have a mixed reputation, with many people focusing on the harm they can cause. The reality is that many insects are beneficial to humans. Bees, beetles, and flies are major pollinators that help in the reproduction of many plants. Some insects, like ladybirds and certain wasps, are valuable predators that keep pest populations in check. Without insects, many ecosystems would be in dire straits.

8. Insects are not sensitive to pain

It was once thought that insects were incapable of experiencing pain. Recent research has challenged this belief. Studies suggest that insects can experience nociception, a physiological response to potentially harmful stimuli, similar to pain in vertebrates. The debate about whether insects consciously experience pain is ongoing, but the evidence for nociceptive responses is strong.

9. All insects are solitary

While many insects are indeed solitary, social insects are very common. Ants, bees, and termites are well-known for their complex social structures, including division of labour and cooperative breeding. There are also less well-known social insects like some cockroach species, which display social behaviour. Even some insects that are typically solitary may show social behaviour under certain conditions.

10. Insects are easy to kill with any pesticide

Many insects have developed resistance to commonly used pesticides over time. In addition to the growing problem of pesticide resistance, using pesticides indiscriminately can harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybirds, disrupt ecosystems, and affect human health. This is why pest management strategies need to be carefully thought out, ideally focusing on targeted, sustainable solutions. If you're interested in keeping insects as pets, take a look at our millipedes, centipedes, and scorpions for sale.